Portuguese Communist leader slams rivals, defends Ukraine stance and labour rights
Paulo Raimundo, secretary-general of the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), has spoken out on several key issues facing the country. He praised a recent Constitutional Court ruling while criticising political rivals and defending the party’s stance on Ukraine and labour rights. Raimundo welcomed the court’s decision to strike down the ancillary penalty of loss of nationality in the Penal Code. He called the ruling a victory for constitutional principles and argued that the Constitution itself offers solutions to Portugal’s most pressing problems.
Turning to foreign policy, he reaffirmed the PCP’s support for the Ukrainian people but condemned what he described as an 'anti-democratic regime' that bans political parties. The party also boycotted the visit of Ukraine’s parliamentary speaker, labelling the delegation as undemocratic. On domestic labour disputes, Raimundo claimed the December 11 general strike had disrupted government plans to worsen job insecurity. He warned that while workers had caught authorities off guard, the upcoming June 3 confrontation would be tougher, with the government now better prepared. He also took aim at parties pushing for a constitutional review, accusing them of trying to undermine the legacy of the 1974 Carnation Revolution. In a sharp critique of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, Raimundo mocked the inconsistency of supporting Ukraine while condemning Iran, sarcastically suggesting Iran might be bombing itself.
The PCP leader’s remarks highlight ongoing tensions over labour reforms, constitutional debates, and foreign policy. With further protests planned for June, the dispute between workers and the government shows no signs of easing.
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